How Are Braces Applied?

It’s time to start your orthodontic treatment and this begins with the application of your clear or traditional braces. After Dr. Cynthia Wong thoroughly cleans and dries your teeth, the application process can range anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the individual case and the cooperation of all bonding materials. In case you were wondering how braces are applied step-by-step, allow us to explain.

First the teeth are polished with a non-flavored paste and a cheek retractor is placed to provide a dry field that makes it easier to visualize the teeth. The teeth are lightly air-dried, and a conditioner is placed onto the front surfaces of the teeth for about 30 seconds. The conditioner is then rinsed and the teeth are again dried using suction and air. After this step, a primer is painted on to the teeth. The bonding cement is placed onto the back sides of the braces, which are then placed onto the teeth. The brackets are then placed in a very precise position onto the teeth, and excess bonding cement is removed. The process is completed by removing the cheek retractor and placing the wires.

If you desire a straighter smile and would like to discuss your orthodontic options, give us a call. To learn more about the type of braces we provide at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Why Do Adults Get Braces?

Let’s just say that you had braces as a kid and you may not have followed the proper aftercare, such as wearing a retainer. This has likely caused your teeth to shift and now as an adult you are regretting your lack of commitment. Fortunately, at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics we have plenty of orthodontic options for adults such as clear braces, traditional braces and Invisalign.

It’s never too late to get an education and it’s never too late to straighten your smile. Teeth shift as you get older and some people’s teeth shift more than others. If you’ve received orthodontic treatment in the past and didn’t wear your retainer for the recommended amount of time, your teeth will shift and return to their natural position. Other adults get braces because they’ve always had crooked or crowded teeth, overbites and underbites or incorrect jaw position.

If you desire a straighter smile and would like to discuss your orthodontic options, give us a call. To learn more about the type of braces we provide at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

How to Care for Your Retainer

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for, your braces are off and it’s time to begin the aftercare process. Once your braces are removed, Dr. Cynthia Wong can provide you with the option of a permanent or a removable retainer. With removable retainers, you can take them out while eating, brushing and flossing. No matter which type of retainer you have, you should take care of it as you would your teeth.

Every time you brush your teeth, brush your retainers as well, but not with toothpaste. In addition, once a day or at least once a week, try to disinfect the retainer by soaking it in a denture cleanser. Add the cleanser to a cup full of warm water and thoroughly rinse the retainer before placing it back in your mouth. This will eliminate bacteria. You should also keep your retainer in its case at all times when you are not wearing it. For added protection, never leave the case out of your sight, because you don’t want to risk stepping or sitting on this delicate piece of equipment.

If you have further questions about how to care for your retainer, give us a call. To learn more about the type of braces we provide at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

How Does Invisalign Move Your Teeth?

At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics we offer Invisalign as a modern approach to straightening teeth. If you decide to straighten your teeth without brackets or wires, these clear aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. We’re sure you’re probably wondering how plastic aligners can straighten your smile, so allow us to explain.

Depending on your individualized treatment plan that Dr. Cynthia Wong maps out for you, you will be given a specific number of aligners. You will swap out each aligner approximately every two weeks and each aligner is responsible for just one step of your treatment. Since each aligner shape represents a future arrangement of your teeth (not their current one), when it’s first worn it might not fit right in some regions.

When an aligner is worn, its “ill-fitting” region will apply a constant, gentle pressure to the teeth it encases. This pressure will gradually guide your teeth into an aligner that perfectly matches the aligners shape. As evidence of the movement it generates, you should notice a more relaxed fit and less pressure on your teeth. Each aligner straightens your teeth little-by-little until treatment is complete.

If you have questions about the Invisalign technique, give us a call. To learn more about the type of braces we provide at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

How Do Braces Move Your Teeth?

If you are searching to straighten your smile, then Dr. Cynthia Wong has plenty of options for you. We all know that braces are impressive little gadgets that move teeth into alignment, but how do they work? In their entirety, braces work by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to slowly move teeth in a specific direction. As the teeth move, the bone changes shape as pressure is applied.

Braces are made up of three separate parts. Brackets are attached to each individual tooth. The bonding or band attaches the brackets, and an arch wire runs between each bracket. Braces have a very prominent appearance, but clear options now exist.

Braces are usually used on children between eight and 14 years old. They can move teeth most successfully when used while a child is still growing. They can also be used on adults, but it takes longer to shift teeth into the proper position. Braces are typically worn from one to three years depending on the individual’s case. Once the braces have been removed, the patient will receive a retainer. A retainer is a removable appliance that keeps the realigned teeth in place. Retainers can also be used to treat minor misalignments that do not require braces.

If you have questions about braces, give us a call. To learn more about the types of braces we provide at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.